System and method for delivering information at inaccessible locations

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods of using the systems for delivering information related to an inaccessible location to individuals at the inaccessible location are disclosed. The system comprises a memory device affixed to the inaccessible location, the information related to the inaccessible location residing on the memory device, and a portable memory reading device, separate from the memory device, that retrieves the information from the memory device when positioned at the inaccessible location and communicates the information to a party located at the inaccessible location. The system may further comprise a database wherein the information residing on the memory device is replicated and the database can be accessed by a user of the system via a suitable communications medium or combination of mediums. The system may also comprise a portable memory reading device having a GPS receiver positioned at an inaccessible location and a database, such that the GPS coordinates of the inaccessible location are determined by the portable memory reading device and communicated to the database over a communications link, and the database communicates the information related to the inaccessible location back to the portable memory reading device over the communications link.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation application of application Ser. No.09/777,729, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,254,666, filed Feb. 6, 2001, entitled‘System And Method For Delivering Information At InaccessibleLocations’, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 09/481,577, filed on Jan. 12, 2000, the entire disclosure ofpatent application Ser. No. 09/777,729 is hereby included by referenceherein as if being set forth in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the delivery of information,and more particularly to a system and method for delivering informationrelated to an inaccessible location to individuals at the inaccessiblelocation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In common occurrence, many notable locations are physically removed fromeasily accessible sources of power and/or communication, such aselectrical outlets and wireline telephone jacks.

This is particularly true in the case of cemeteries, historicallysignificant locations, dedication or donation plaques, and outdoor, aswell as some indoor, equipment. Consequently, it is difficult to placeinformation about the notable locations and/or instructions in closeproximity thereto and to revise that information once so placed. In thecase of cemeteries, friends and loved ones typically place memorialand/or genealogical information such as name, date born, date passed,notable accomplishments, parents, siblings, children, etc., about thedeceased party directly on the tombstone or other graveyard marker.Friends and loved ones also sometimes place photographs of the deceasedand/or the family of the deceased on or nearby the tombstone or othergraveyard marker that may or may not have been weatherized in some formor another.

In the case of historically notable locations, interested partiestypically place signs, placards, photographs, artist's renderings, etc.,about the historically notable location, that may or may not have beenweatherized, in close proximity to the notable location. Occasionally,interactive tape recordings and/or videos are placed in close proximityto the notable location.

In the case of dedication or donation plaques, interested partiestypically place memorial and/or historical information such as name,date of dedication, date of donation, notable accomplishments, etc.,about the donating party directly on the plaque or other marker.

In the case of outdoor, and inaccessible indoor, equipment, interestedparties typically place manuals, warranties, instructions, etc., aboutthe equipment that may or may not have been weatherized in some form oranother, or that may or may not have been treated for extreme indoorconditions, or that may or may not have been, for example, sterilizedfor certain applications.

In any event, whether the inaccessible location is a cemetery location,historically notable location, dedication or donation plaque, indoor oroutdoor equipment, or some other notable but remote or inaccessiblelocation, the need for the information and any equipment necessary foraccessing that information to both withstand the weather conditionslikely encountered at the location and any attempts to remove them fromthe location without authorization severely limits both the amount andtypes of information that may be placed at the remote location withcurrent systems.

Accordingly, there is a need for a system and method of placing andcommunicating large quantities and varied types of information atinaccessible locations that can withstand the conditions and attempts toremove that information likely to be encountered at the remote location.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a system and method for deliveringinformation related to a remote and/or inaccessible location at theinaccessible location. In one embodiment, the invention comprises asystem for providing information related to an inaccessible locationcomprising a memory device affixed to the inaccessible location, theinformation residing on the memory device; and a portable memory readingdevice, separate from the memory device, that retrieves the informationfrom the memory device when positioned at the inaccessible location,wherein the portable memory reading device communicates the informationto a party located at the inaccessible location. In another embodiment,the invention comprises a system for providing information related to aninaccessible location comprising a memory device affixed to a physicalobject at the inaccessible location, the information residing on thememory device; a portable memory reading device, separate from thememory device, that retrieves the information from the memory devicewhen positioned at the inaccessible location and communicates theinformation to a party located at the inaccessible location; and adatabase wherein the information residing on the memory device isreplicated; and wherein the memory device is uniquely associated with anidentifying code.

In yet another embodiment, the invention comprises a system forproviding historical information about a historically notable locationcomprising a memory device affixed to a physical object positioned atthe historically notable location, the historical information residingon the memory device; and a portable memory reading device, separatefrom the memory device, that retrieves the historical information fromthe memory device when positioned at the historically notable locationand communicates the historical information to a party located at thehistorically notable location. In a still further embodiment, theinvention comprises a system for providing memorial information about adeceased party interred at a cemetery location comprising a memorydevice affixed to a physical object positioned at the cemetery location,the memorial information residing on the memory device; and a portablememory reading device, separate from the memory device, that retrievesthe memorial information from the memory device when positioned at thecemetery location and communicates the memorial information to a partylocated at the cemetery location.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the invention comprises asystem for providing dedication or donation information for asubstantially complete explanation about the reasons for the gift at anylocation, such as a hospital, comprising a memory device affixed to aphysical object positioned at the location, the dedication or donationinformation residing on the memory device; and a portable memory readingdevice, separate from the memory device, that retrieves the dedicationor donation information from the memory device when positioned at thelocation and communicates the dedication or donation information to aparty located at the location. In a still further embodiment, theinvention comprises a system for providing instructions, manuals, and/orwarranty information about indoor or outdoor equipment, such as a lawntractor, at any location, comprising a memory device affixed to theequipment positioned at any location, the instructions, manuals, and/orwarranty information residing on the memory device; and a portablememory reading device, separate from the memory device, that retrievesthe instructions, manuals, and/or warranty information from the memorydevice when positioned at the location and communicates theinstructions, manuals, and/or warranty information to a party located atthe location.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, the invention comprises amethod for providing information related to an inaccessible location,comprising the steps of storing the information on a memory device, theinformation being stored in a format that can be retrieved from thememory device and displayed to a party with a portable memory readingdevice, separate from the memory device, when the portable memoryreading device is in close proximity to the memory device; and affixingthe memory device to a physical object positioned at the inaccessiblelocation. Additional steps in the method may include replicating theinformation stored on the memory device in a database; revising thereplicated information at the database, and communicating the revisedreplicated information to the memory device over a communicableconnection between the database and the memory device; and/or providingthe replicated information over a communications medium upon receipt bythe database of an identifying code, the identifying code being uniquelyassociated with the memory device having the information stored thereon.

Therefore, the present invention provides a system and method of placingand communicating large quantities and varied types of information atinaccessible locations, that can withstand the conditions and attemptsto remove that information likely to be encountered at the inaccessiblelocation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The invention will become more readily apparent from the followingdescription of preferred embodiments thereof shown, by way of exampleonly, in the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for providing information relatedto an inaccessible location in accordance with a first preferredembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a system for providing information relatedto an inaccessible location in accordance with a second preferredembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a system for providing information relatedto an inaccessible location in accordance with a third preferredembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a system for providing information relatedto an inaccessible location in accordance with a fourth embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of a system for providing information relatedto an inaccessible location in accordance with a fifth embodiment of theinvention; and

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a system for providing information relatedto an inaccessible location in accordance with a sixth embodiment of theinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

It is to be understood that the figures and descriptions of the presentinvention have been simplified to illustrate elements that are relevantfor a clear understanding of the present invention, while eliminating,for purposes of clarity, many other elements found in a typicalinformation delivery system. Those of ordinary skill in the art willrecognize that other elements are desirable and/or required in order toimplement the present invention. However, because such elements are wellknown in the art, and because they do not facilitate a betterunderstanding of the present invention, a discussion of such elements isnot provided herein.

Referring to FIG. 1, there is shown a block diagram of an informationgenerator 1 for providing information related to inaccessible locationsin accordance with preferred embodiments of the invention. A number oflocations 2-3 in a cemetery 10 have memory devices 2B-3B permanentlyaffixed to tombstones 2A-3A at locations 2-3 respectively. Cemetery 10may comprise a catacomb, cinerarium, crypt, mausoleum, ossuary,sepulcher, tomb, vault, or any other location where a deceased party maybe laid to rest either temporarily or permanently. A deceased party maycomprise any living organism that has passed, including but not limitedto human beings that have passed. Tombstones 2A-3A may comprise any typeof physical object used to mark the locations 2-3 of deceased partieswithin cemetery 10. Memory devices 2B-3B have memorial and/orgenealogical information about the deceased party interred at locations2-3 stored therein or thereon. This information may comprise anyinformation related to the deceased party that a friend or loved one mayfind interesting including, but not limited to the name, date born, datepassed, notable accomplishments, parents, siblings, children, etc., ofthe deceased party as well as photographic and artistic images of orrelating to the deceased party.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, memory devices 2B-3B comprisecontact memory devices, and each memory device may be uniquelyassociated with an identifying code. Contact memories genericallycomprise physical devices that attach directly to an object and can beread through active or passive contact with a reading device. Typicallycontact memories are approximately the size of a clothing button, andcomprise a stainless steel container housing a small memory chip inside.Information can usually be written to the contact memory throughtemporary active or passive contact with the contact memory as well. Inpreferred embodiments of the invention, memory devices 2B-3B comprise aniButton® contact memory device, the mechanical and technical standardsfor which are available athttp://www.ibuttom.com/ibuttons/stan-dard.pdf, and are incorporatedherein by reference. Memory devices 2B-3B may also comprise, in additionto contact memories, read only memory (ROM) devices, electronicallyerasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) devices, electronicallyprogrammable read only memory (EPROM) devices, random access memory(RAM) devices, static random access memory (SRAM) devices, static barcodes, or any other device that is small in size, can be easily andpermanently attached to a physical object, can store large quantitiesand varied types of information, and can withstand extreme weatherconditions without losing or damaging the information stored thereinand/or thereon. The information is stored in and/or on the memory devicein a format suitable for the type of memory device used, extensiblemarkup language or hypertext markup language comprising the preferredformat.

Referring still to FIG. 1, system 1 further comprises a portable memoryreading device 5. Portable memory reading device 5 may comprise aspecial purpose computer, a portable general purpose computer such as alaptop computer, or any other type of portable computerized device,including a hand-held portable computer, a wireless communicationsdevice, and/or a smart wireless communications device, that has theability to read, receive, and/or display all or a portion of theinformation stored on memory devices 2B-3B when placed at locations 2-3or in close proximity to memory devices 2B-3B. Typically, portablememory reading device 5 will have an integrated means of reading,receiving, and/or writing information from or to memory devices 2B-3B.In other cases, portable memory reading device 5 may have a hand-heldprobe attached thereto through some type of serial and/or parallelelectrical connection for reading, receiving, and/or writing informationfrom and/or to memory devices 2B-3B. The precise means of reading,receiving, and/or writing of the information employed is a matter ofdesign choice and will necessarily depend on the type of memory device2B-3B employed. Where the memory devices 2B-3B employed are contactmemories, a preferred means of reading and/or writing comprises a singlesignal plus ground probe, whether integrated or hand-held, configured toan input/output line of a microcomputer.

Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a block diagram of a system 20for providing information related to an inaccessible location 21 inaccordance with a second preferred embodiment of the invention. System20 comprises a memory device 2B permanently affixed to post 21 A locatedat historically notable location 21, and portable memory reading device5. Memory device 2B and portable memory reading device 5 comprise thesame elements as in system 1 described above, except that theinformation stored in and/or on memory device 2B comprises historicalinformation about historically notable location 21. Post 21A comprises astake anchored to the ground at historically notable location 21, butmay also comprise a sign, lamppost, doorframe, fencepost, cannon, or anyother physical object, whether stationary or movable and whetherpermanent or temporary, located at or near historically notable location21. Historically notable location 21 comprises any location physicallyremoved from convenient access to electrical and/or wireline telephoneservice that a person may find historically interesting because ofevents that have occurred, are occurring, or may be occurring in thefuture, and historically notable information comprises any informationabout the events that have occurred, are occurring, or may be occurringat inaccessible location 21 in the future.

Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown a block diagram of a system 300for providing information related to an inaccessible location 340 inaccordance with a third preferred embodiment of the invention. Aninaccessible location is a location that cannot easily be wired forelectricity and/or electronic communication. System 300 comprises amemory device 2B affixed, such as permanently affixed, to equipment 320,such as an automobile or a lawn tractor, or indoor equipment, such as atelevision or a stereo, located at any inaccessible location 340, andportable memory reading device 5. Memory device 2B and portable memoryreading device 5 preferably comprise the same elements as in system 1described above, except that the information stored in and/or on memorydevice 2B includes, but is not limited to, instructions, such asmanuals, and/or warranty information, about the equipment 320. As shown,equipment 320 comprises, for example, outdoor equipment in the form of alawn tractor at location 340, but may also comprise, for example, snowblowers, mulchers, tillers, or any other physical object, whetherstationary or movable, and whether permanent or temporary, located at ornear location 340. Location 340 comprises any location physicallyremoved from convenient access to electrical and/or wireline telephoneservice, and instructions, manuals, and/or warranty informationcomprises any information about the equipment at inaccessible location340.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a block diagram of a system 400for providing information related to an inaccessible location 440 inaccordance with a fourth preferred embodiment of the invention. System400 comprises a memory device 2B affixed, such as permanently affixed,proximate to, i.e. on or near, a dedication or donation plaque 420 orart piece 420 located at any inaccessible location 440, and portablememory reading device 5. As used herein, plaque includes any device,item, piece, or mechanism capable of signifying, for example, a donor'sdonation, and, as used herein, a dedication or donation would includethe generator of the dedication, such as the painter of a painting, orthe donator of a painting. Memory device 2B and portable memory readingdevice 5 comprise the same elements as in system 1 described above,except that the information stored in and/or on memory device 2Bcomprises dedication or donation information, including a substantiallycomplete story about why the gift was given by the donating party tolocation 440, such as a hospital, or how a gift was created, such as theartist who created artwork. A dedication or donation plaque 420comprises a sign at location 440 as illustrated, but may also comprise aphotograph, engraving, drawing, painting, or any other physical object,whether stationary or movable and whether permanent or temporary,located at or near location 440. Location 440 comprises any locationphysically removed from convenient access to electrical and/or wirelinetelephone service, and dedication or donation information comprises anyinformation about the donating party at inaccessible location 440.

Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown a block diagram of a system 30for providing information related to an inaccessible location 21 inaccordance with a fifth preferred embodiment of the invention. System 30comprises memory device 2B, 3B, and 2B′ permanently affixed totombstones 2A and 3B and post 21A respectively, tombstones 2A-3A locatedin cemetery 10 and post 21A located at historically notable location 21,portable memory reading devices 5 and 5′, and database 31 communicablyconnected 32 to memory devices 2B, 3B, and 2B′. Memory devices 2B, 3B,and 2B′, tombstones 2A-3A, post 21A, historically notable location 21,and portable memory reading devices 5 and 5′ comprise the same elementsas in systems 1 and/or 20 described above. Database 31 comprises asingle or central database wherein the information stored in and/or onmemory devices 2B, 3B, and/or 2B′ is replicated in whole or in part, ora plurality of distributed databases wherein the information stored inand/or on memory devices 2B, 3B, and/or 2B′ is replicated in whole or inpart.

Referring back to FIG. 3, there is shown a block diagram of a system 300for providing information related to an inaccessible location 340.System 300 may comprise memory device 2B permanently affixed toequipment 320, such as a lawn tractor, portable memory reading devices5, and database 31 communicatively connected 32 to memory reading device5. Memory device 2B, equipment 320, location 340, and portable memoryreading device 5 comprise the same elements as in the systems describedhereinabove. Database 31 comprises a single or central database whereinthe information stored in and/or on memory device 2B is replicated inwhole or in part, or a plurality of distributed databases wherein theinformation stored in and/or on memory devices 2B is replicated in wholeor in part.

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is shown a block diagram of a system 400for providing information related to an inaccessible location 440.System 400 may comprise memory device 2B permanently affixed to plaque420, plaque 420 located in an inaccessible location 440, such as ahospital or any other building, portable memory reading device 5, anddatabase 31 communicatively connected 32 to memory device 2B. Memorydevice 2B, plaque 420, inaccessible location 440, and portable memoryreading device 5 comprise the same elements as in the systems describedhereinabove. Database 31 comprises a single or central database whereinthe information stored in and/or on memory device 2B is replicated inwhole or in part, or a plurality of distributed databases wherein theinformation stored in and/or on memory device 2B is replicated in wholeor in part.

In the case where database 31 comprises a plurality of distributeddatabases, the plurality of databases may be connected to one anothervia an internet connection, limited or wide area network connection, orsome other type of suitable communicable connection or combination ofconnections as would be known in the art, and the information stored inand/or on memory devices 2B, 3B, and/or 2B′ may be replicated on each orsome lesser number of the databases in the plurality. The communicableconnection 32 to memory devices 2B, 3B, and/or 2B′ may comprise aninternet connection, a limited and/or wide area network connection, awireless communications connection, a wireline telephone connection, orsome other type of suitable communicable connection or combination ofconnections as would be known in the art. The replicated informationresiding on database 31 may be revised at database 31 and the revisedreplicated information communicated to memory devices 2B, 3B, and/or 2B′over communicable connection 32.

In certain embodiments of the invention in system 30, 300, and 400,communicative connection 32 need not comprise a permanent communicativeconnection, as in the case where the information residing on memorydevices 2B, 3B, and/or 2B′ may be overwritten with portable memoryreading device 5 and/or 5′. In those embodiments, revised replicatedinformation may be transferred from database 31 to portable memoryreading device 5 and/or 5′ over a suitable connection and subsequentlyread to memory devices 2B, 3B, and/or 2B′ when memory reading device 5and/or 5′ is placed in close proximity to memory devices 2B, 3B, and/or2B′.

In still further embodiments of system 30, 300, and 400, users of thesystem may utilize the identifying codes that are uniquely associatedwith memory devices 2B, 3B, and/or 3B′ to access the replicatedinformation residing on database 31 either with or without the use ofmemory reading device 5 and/or 5′, depending on the type of devicesemployed as memory reading device 5 and/or 5′. A user of the systemaccesses database 31 through an internet with a browser or some othersuitable form of software, a telephone connection, including wirelesstelephone connections, or any other type of suitable communicationsmedium or combination of mediums as would be known in the art, providesthe identifying code for the inaccessible location 2, 3, and/or 21 he orshe is interested in receiving information about, and database 31provides the replicated information corresponding to inaccessiblelocation 2, 3, and/or 21 to the user over the communication mediumemployed upon receipt of the identifying code.

Referring now to FIG. 6, there is shown a block diagram of a system 40for providing information relate to inaccessible locations in accordancewith a sixth embodiment of the invention. System 40 comprises locations2 and 3 within cemetery 10, historically notable location 21, plaquelocation 440, equipment location 340, memory reading devices 5 and 5′,database 32, communication links 42 between memory reading devices 5 and5′ and database 32, the Global Positioning System (GPS) infrastructure41, and GPS signals 43. Locations 2 and 3, cemetery 10, historicallynotable location 21, plaque location 440, equipment location 340, memoryreading devices 5 and 5′, and database 32 comprise the same elements asin systems 1, 20, and/or 30 described above. In system 40 though, memoryreading devices 5 and 5′ also comprise GPS receivers, and preferablywireless communications devices or smart wireless communications deviceswith GPS receivers integrated therein. Communication links 42 comprisethe same types of connections a user would employ to access database 32in system 30, 300, and 400. When memory reading device 5 or 5′ ispositioned near cemetery location 2 or 3, historically notable location21, plaque location 440, or equipment location 340, memory readingdevice 5 or 5′ determines its position on the surface of the earththrough the use of GPS signals 43 transmitted by GPS systeminfrastructure 41, accesses database 32 via communication links 42, andcommunicates its GPS position to database 32. Database 32 determines theinaccessible location associated with the GPS position received frommemory reading device 5 or 5′ via communication links 42, in this casecemetery location 2 or 3 or historical location 21, and communicates theinformation related to inaccessible locations 2, 3, and/or 21 to memoryreading device 5 or 5′ over communication links 42. The information maythen be displayed or communicated to a user of system 40 located at ornear inaccessible location 2, 3, and/or 21. In some embodiments of theinvention, a user of system 40 may be required to initiate access todatabase 32 over communication links 42, and/or may be required toprovide an identification number, code or password before theinformation related to inaccessible location 2, 3, and/or 21 can beaccessed by and/or communicated to memory reading device 5 or 5′.

In any embodiment of the invention, including the embodiments shown anddescribed above, the information related to an inaccessible location mayalso comprise, in addition to information specifically related to theinaccessible location, data, symbols, codes, and/or other informationnot specifically related to the inaccessible location that may be usedto access the information specifically related to the inaccessiblelocation, whether resident on a memory device at an inaccessiblelocation or a database located somewhere other than the inaccessiblelocation. Moreover, the inaccessible locations where the invention maybe employed are not limited to cemetery and historically notablelocations, but may comprise any location that a person may find notablethat is physically removed from easily accessible sources of power andcommunication, regardless of whether the climatic conditions likelyencountered would be considered extreme. Thus, systems and methods forproviding information related to an inaccessible location have beenshown and described. Users of the systems and methods have the abilityamong other things to store, receive, and/or revise the informationrelated to the inaccessible location in a number of ways.

The foregoing description of the preferred embodiments is provided toenable any person skilled in the art to make or use the presentinvention. Various modifications to the embodiments described abovehowever will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and thegeneric principles defined herein may be applied to other embodimentswithout the use of inventive faculty. Thus, the present invention is notintended to be limited to the specific systems and methods shown hereinbut is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the claims setforth below.

1. A system for providing and receiving instructions directly relatingto a stationary item positioned at a remote location, comprising: atleast one processor and memory device, wherein said at least oneprocessor and memory device is affixed to said stationary item, theinstructions residing on said memory device and uniquely and directlyrelating to said stationary item to which the memory device is affixed;a portable device for wirelessly uploading and downloading theinstructions to and from said affixed memory device; wherein said atleast one processor processes the instructions to and from said memorydevice, including processing for forwarding of the instructions from theassociated memory device to said portable device.
 2. The system of claim1, wherein said at least one memory device comprises a contact memorydevice.
 3. The system of claim 1, wherein said at least one memorydevice comprises a programmable read only memory device.
 4. The systemof claim 1, wherein said at least one memory device comprises a weatherresistant memory device.
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein theinformation resides on said at least one memory device in extensiblemarkup language format.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein theinformation resides on said at least one memory device in hypertextmarkup language format.
 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising: adatabase associated with said at least one memory device, wherein theinformation on said memory device is replicated; and wherein said memorydevice is uniquely associated with an identifying code.
 8. The system ofclaim 7, wherein the replicated information is accessed upon receipt ofthe identifying code the database.
 9. The system of claim 8, wherein thereplicated information is accessed through an internet.
 10. The systemof claim 8, wherein the replicated information is accessed through aninternet.
 11. The system of claim 7, wherein the database iscommunicatively connected to said memory device.
 12. The system of claim11, wherein the replicated information is revised at the database, andwherein the revised replicated information is communicated from thedatabase to said memory device via the communicative connection.
 13. Asystem for providing information directly relating to a stationarydedication at a remote location, comprising: at least one spatiallyfixed processor and memory device affixed proximate to said stationarydedication, the information uniquely and directly relating to saidstationary dedication; a portable device for wirelessly uploading anddownloading the dedication information to and from said memory device;wherein said at least one processor processes the information to andfrom the associated memory device, including processing for forwardingof the information from the associated memory device to said portabledevice.
 14. The system of claim 13, wherein at least one of theplurality of memory devices comprises a contact memory device.
 15. Thesystem of claim 13, wherein said memory device comprises a weatherresistant memory device.
 16. The system of claim 13, wherein theinformation resides on said memory device in extensible markup languageformat.
 17. The system of claim 13, wherein said information residessaid memory device in hypertext markup language format.
 18. The systemof claim 13, further comprising: a database wherein the informationresiding on said memory device is replicated; and wherein said memorydevice is uniquely associated with an identifying code.
 19. The systemof claim 18, wherein the replicated information is capable of beingaccessed upon receipt of the identifying code by the database.
 20. Thesystem of claim 19, wherein the replicated information is accessedthrough an internet.
 21. The system of claim 29, wherein the replicatedinformation is accessed through a telephone network.
 22. The system ofclaim 18, wherein the database is communicatively connected to saidmemory device.
 23. The system of claim 22, wherein the replicatedinformation is revised at the database, and wherein the revisedreplicated information is communicated from the database to said memorydevice via the communicative connection.
 24. An information generatorfor use at a remote location, comprising: at least one spatially fixedprocessor and memory device affixed at least one remote location,wherein said at least one memory device includes thereon informationuniquely and directly related to said at least one remote location; aportable device for wirelessly connecting to said memory device; whereinsaid portable device is capable of loading said information directlyrelated to the associated at least one remote location onto theassociated memory device; wherein, upon establishing a wirelesscommunicative connection with said associated memory device, saidportable device receives the information for display; and wherein saidassociated processor processes the information to and from saidassociated memory device, including processing for forwarding of theinformation from the associated memory device to said portable device.25. The information generator of claim 24, wherein said at least onememory device comprises a contact memory device.
 26. The informationgenerator of claim 25, wherein said at least one memory device comprisesa weather resistant memory device.
 27. The information generator ofclaim 24, further comprising: a database wherein the informationresiding on said at least one memory device is replicated; and whereinsaid at least one memory device is uniquely associated with anidentifying code.
 28. The information generator of claim 27, wherein thereplicated information may be accessed upon receipt of the identifyingcode by the database.
 29. The information generator of claim 28, whereinthe replicated information is accessed through an internet.
 30. Theinformation generator of claim 28, wherein the replicated information isaccessed through a telephone network.
 31. The information generator ofclaim 27, wherein the database is communicatively connected to said atleast one memory device.
 32. The information of claim 31, wherein thereplicated information may be revised at the database, and wherein therevised replicated information is capable of being communicated from thedatabase to said at least one memory device via the communicableconnection.
 33. A method for providing information related to a remotelocation, comprising: storing and retrieving information directlyrelated to a remote location on at least one spatially fixed processorand memory device uniquely and directly associated with the remotelocation, such that said information can be wirelessly written to andretrieved from said memory device associated with said remote locationat different points in time by a portable device, and wherein theinformation is displayed by said portable device; affixing said at leastone memory device at said remote location, wherein said at least oneprocessor processes the information to and from the associated memorydevice, including processing for forwarding of the information from saidat least one memory device to said portable device.
 34. The method ofclaim 33, further comprising the step of: replicating the informationstored on said at least one memory device in a database.
 35. The methodof claim 34, further comprising the step of: revising the replicatedinformation at the database, and communicating the revised replicatedinformation to said at least one memory device over a communicableconnection between the database and said at least one memory device. 36.The method of claim 34, further comprising the step of: providing thereplicated information over a communication medium upon receipt by thedatabase of an identifying code, the identifying code being uniquelyassociated with said at least one memory device having the informationstored thereon.